Prostate cancer survivor Philip Kissi didn't notice any symptoms. He talks about his diagnosis and treatment.

Philip Kissi, originally from Ghana, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48.

He was unaware that a family history of prostate cancer put him at a higher risk than other men. Both his grandfathers had prostate problems, and his grandfather on his mother's side died from prostate cancer.

Other factors, such as age and African or African-Caribbean ethnicity, are known to increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. Black men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Researchers are looking at the possible causes of this increased risk but genes probably play an important role.

Philip was shocked when he was diagnosed. "I considered myself to be very fit," he says. "I thought I lived a healthy lifestyle. To be honest, I thought I was untouchable."

Testing for prostate cancer

As Debbie Clayton from Prostate Cancer UK explains, early prostate cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms.

PSA is a protein the prostate produces. The PSA test is not a test for prostate cancer, says Debbie. Instead, it indicates a potential problem with the prostate gland.

Philip was told at his first appointment that everything appeared normal, but when he went back after three months his PSA level was slightly raised. He was then referred to hospital for further tests, but they did not find anything to cause concern.

The prostate cancer diagnosis

Philip knew that PSA tests could not always identify prostate cancer. After speaking to a consultant, he had a biopsy, which finally confirmed that he had an aggressive prostate cancer.

"The good news was that they'd found it. The bad news was that it turned out to be the worst kind, but it was in an early stage," he said. "Still, the 'C' word was a shock, even though I was prepared for the worst. I'd done my homework and had as much information in advance as possible about the disease. But the moment they tell you, your head goes blank."

Asking questions is a good way of getting back in control of your situation, says Debbie. In Philip's case, the specialist nurse at his hospital gave him a list of questions to ask his doctor.

Philip's prostate cancer treatment

Philip opted for robotic treatment, where a robot assists the surgeon in removing the whole prostate gland. Prostate cancer is often treatable and, if found early, can be successfully controlled.